The Vegetarian

Spicing Up Dishes in a Hurry With Curry

April 20, 1989|DIANA SHAW | Shaw is a free-lance writer in Los Angeles.

As you know too well, one drawback to vegetarian cooking is the time it takes to prepare an appetizing, well-balanced meal.

Smart manufacturers, aware that many of us would rather not devote hours to turning complimentary proteins into delectable dishes, are coming out with packaged, prepared meatless meals, as well as mixes meant, for example, to turn tofu into chili in five minutes. It's a healthy trend, although the products leave you subject to the manufacturer's taste in seasonings, not to mention the high price they put on convenience.

Streamline the Work

You can streamline preparation of a nourishing meal by learning some basic flavor combinations that lend themselves to diverse main ingredients. Once you've made the following Basic Curry a few times, you'll find you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes. Vary the main ingredient according to season and whim, and alter the seasoning until you find the most pleasing combination.

Remember to buy spices in small quantities; the flavors tend to fade with age. Also, fresh ginger root keeps indefinitely in the freezer and needs no defrosting for use.

Grate garlic and ginger with cheese grater. Heat oil in medium skillet, add garlic and ginger and saute until just golden, taking care not to burn. Add Custom Curry Blend and stir quickly to mix.

Add tomatoes and stir to combine with spices. (If using tomatoes, cook gently over low heat until broken down. If using tomato paste, cook gently 5 minutes, adding as little water as necessary to prevent sticking.)

Note: Dish may be prepared without oil. Heat tomatoes or tomato paste and water in medium skillet. Add garlic and ginger and stir over low heat until tender. Add Custom Curry Blend and proceed as above.

Custom Curry Blend

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

2 teaspoons turmeric

2 teaspoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cayenne pepper

Combine cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, allspice and cinnamon. Season to taste with cayenne.